Rear view device and vehicle with such a rear view device

ABSTRACT

A rearview device for a vehicle includes at least one sensor for detecting information of the environment of the vehicle, where the rearview device is attachable to the supporting structure of the vehicle by using at least one first fastening device and the rearview device includes at least one arm which is rotatably mounted by the first fastening device about at least one first axis of rotation which has at least one vertical component about at least one first pivot point for a first rotation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/258,986, filed Jan. 8, 2021, which is a National Stage Entry ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/EP2019/068683, filed Jul. 11,2019, which claims the benefit of priority to German Patent ApplicationNo. DE 10 2018 116 836.5, filed Jul. 11, 2018, each of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a rearview device for a vehicle,comprising at least one sensor for detecting information of theenvironment of the vehicle, wherein the rearview device is attachable tothe support structure of the vehicle by means of at least a firstfastening device, and to a vehicle comprising such a rearview device.

2. Related Art

Rearview devices in the form of exterior mirrors or interior mirrors areknown from the prior art. Recently, especially in the context of effortstowards autonomous driving, more and more such rearview devices aredesigned as camera-based systems. Instead of a mirror, a sensor, inparticular a camera, is used to record the area usually imaged by themirror by means of the sensor and to display it to the driver oroccupants of the vehicle by means of a display device, such as a monitoror display. In such camera-based systems, however, the sensor has alimited solid angle. This means that a plurality of sensors must be usedto cover an area comparable to that of the rearview mirror, inparticular to avoid blind spots. In addition, such camera-based systemscannot be easily retrofitted in vehicles known to date, or at leasttraditional rearview mirrors or rearview device systems cannot bereplaced by a camera-based system at disproportionate expense.

It is therefore the task of the present invention to provide a rearviewdevice that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, and inparticular has an improved solid angle range and is furtherretrofittable, in particular to easily and inexpensively replace atraditional mirror-based rearview device at least in part.

According to the invention, this task is solved by the fact that therearview device comprises at least one arm which is mounted by means ofthe first fastening device so as to be rotatable about at least onefirst axis of rotation, which has at least one vertical component, aboutat least one first pivot point for a first rotation.

It is particularly preferred that the sensor comprises at least onecamera, at least one infrared sensor, at least one radar sensor, atleast one ultrasonic sensor, at least one Lidar sensor, and/or at leastone time of flight (TOF) sensor.

Also, the invention proposes that the environment of the vehicle withrespect to a main driving direction of the vehicle comprises at leastone side area, at least one rear area, at least one front area, and/orat least one interior area at least partially.

Furthermore, the invention proposes that the first fastening devicecomprises at least one fastening plate which has the pivot point and isat least indirectly operatively connected to the supporting structure.

Particularly preferred rearview devices can be characterized in that thearm can be transferred to at least one avoidance position and/or atleast one operating position by means of a rotation about the first axisof rotation.

In the above embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the arm canbe locked in the operating position by means of at least one retaininglatch.

The two aforementioned embodiments can also be characterized by at leastone first spring element, by means of which the arm is suitable to beforced into the avoidance position, at least one second spring element,by means of which the arm is suitable to be forced into the operatingposition, and/or at least one third spring element, preferably a pair ofthird spring elements, by means of which the arm is suitable to be heldin the operating position.

Further, the invention proposes that the arm is connected to the firstpivot via at least a first intermediate bearing, preferably theintermediate bearing being rotatable about the first pivot and/or thefirst axis of rotation during a movement of the arm from the operatingposition to the avoidance position and/or from the avoidance position tothe operating position.

In this aforementioned embodiment, it is particularly preferred that theintermediate bearing enables a second rotation of the arm about at leastone second axis of rotation, preferably spaced apart from the first axisof rotation and/or parallel to the first axis of rotation, and/or abouta second point of rotation, in particular spaced apart from the firstpoint of rotation.

Further, the invention proposes that the intermediate bearing comprisesat least one lever element connecting the first pivot point and thesecond pivot point.

Also, a rearview device according to the invention can be characterizedin that during the first rotation, in particular during a movement ofthe arm from the operating position into the avoidance position and viceversa, the intermediate bearing together with the arm is rotatable aboutthe first axis of rotation, preferably a rotation of the arm about thesecond axis of rotation is omitted.

Furthermore, it is proposed with the invention that the arm is suited tobe moved by means of the second rotation from the operating positioninto at least one parking position, preferably opposite to the avoidanceposition, and is preferably suited to be fixed in the parking position,in particular by means of at least one fourth spring element.

Furthermore, a rearview device according to the invention can becharacterized by at least one first pivot bearing, preferably arrangedat least regionally in the first pivot point and/or enabling rotationabout the first pivot axis, and/or at least one second pivot bearing,preferably arranged at least regionally in the second pivot point and/orenabling rotation about the first pivot axis.

In this context, it is particularly preferred that the first pivotbearing comprises at least one first bearing element that is inoperative connection with the fastening device, in particular isconnected and/or fixed to the fastening device, and at least one secondbearing element that is in operative connection with the arm and/or theintermediate bearing, in particular is connected and/or fixed to the armand/or the intermediate bearing, and/or the second pivot bearingcomprises at least one first bearing element operatively connected tothe intermediate bearing, in particular connected and/or fixed to theintermediate bearing, and at least one second bearing elementoperatively connected to the arm, in particular connected and/or fixedto the arm, wherein in particular the first bearing element and/or thesecond bearing element is or are mounted eccentrically with respect tothe first axis of rotation and/or the second axis of rotation.

In the two aforementioned embodiments, it is particularly preferred thatthe first pivot bearing and/or the second pivot bearing enables rotationabout the first axis of rotation and/or the second axis of rotationcontinuously and/or in at least two, preferably a plurality ofpredefined steps.

Also, a rearview device according to the invention may be characterizedin that the first pivot bearing and/or the second pivot bearingcomprises at least one adjusting device, wherein the adjusting devicecomprises at least one locking device, at least one clamping device, atleast one latching device and/or at least one fixing device.

In the aforementioned embodiment, it is particularly preferred that theadjusting device comprises at least one first engagement elementsecurely connected to the first bearing element and at least one secondengagement element securely connected to the second bearing element,wherein the first engagement element engages the second engagementelement in at least one, preferably a plurality of, rotational positionsor the second engagement element engages the first engagement element inat least one, preferably a plurality of, rotational positions.

It is also proposed with the invention that the first engagement elementis movably mounted relative to the first bearing element and is biasedby means of at least one first biasing element, in particular comprisingat least one fifth spring element, in the direction of the secondbearing element and/or the second engagement element and/or the secondengagement element is movably mounted relative to the second bearingelement and is biased by means of at least one second biasing element,in particular comprising at least one sixth spring element, in thedirection of the first bearing element and/or the first engagementelement.

The two aforementioned embodiments can be characterized in particular inthat the first engagement element comprises at least one pin, at leastone bolt, at least one protrusion and/or at least one locking ring andthe second engagement element comprises at least two, preferably aplurality of receptacles, recesses and/or depressions formedcomplementarily to at least one region of the first engagement element,or the second engagement element comprises at least one pin, at leastone bolt, at least one protrusion and/or at least one locking ring andthe first engagement element comprises at least two, preferably aplurality of receptacles, recesses and/or depressions formedcomplementarily to at least one region of the first engagement element.

Further, the invention proposes that the first engagement element or thesecond engagement element is movably mounted for movement in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation and/or thesecond axis of rotation.

It is also proposed for the rearview device that the first engagementelement comprises at least one locking pin, wherein the locking pin issuitable to be forced by means of the first biasing element intoengagement with at least one slot comprising at least one recess, whichis comprised by the second engagement element, or the second engagementelement comprises at least one locking pin, wherein the locking pin issuitable to be forced by means of the second biasing element intoengagement with at least one slot comprising at least one recesscomprised by the first engagement element.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the first engagement element or thesecond engagement element is movably mounted for movement in a directionsubstantially parallel to the first axis of rotation and/or the secondaxis of rotation.

In the aforementioned embodiment, it is particularly preferred that thefirst engagement element is designed in the form of at least one lockingring, preferably having at least one protrusion, in particular aplurality of protrusions, wherein the locking ring is suited to beforced in the direction of the second engagement element by means of thefirst biasing element, preferably having at least one spring ring, inthe direction of the second engagement element, or the second engagementelement is designed in the form of at least one locking ring, preferablyhaving at least one protrusion, in particular a plurality ofprotrusions, wherein the locking ring is suited to be forced in thedirection of the first engagement element by means of the second biasingelement, preferably having at least one spring ring.

For the aforementioned embodiment, it is particularly preferred that thelocking ring and the first and/or second biasing element are supportedby means of at least one axle element extending along the first axis ofrotation or the second axis of rotation, preferably comprising at leastone tubular rivet.

Particularly preferred embodiments provide that the first springelement, the second spring element, the third spring element, the fourthspring element, the fifth spring element and/or the sixth spring elementcomprises or comprise at least one tension spring, at least onecompression spring, at least one spring ring and/or at least one shapedspring and/or the third spring element, the fourth spring element, thefifth spring element and/or the sixth spring element comprises at leastone locking spring.

Furthermore, the invention proposes that the sensor is fixable to thearm by means of at least a second fixing device.

In the aforementioned embodiment, it is particularly preferred that thedistance of the sensor with respect to the first pivot point and/or thesecond pivot point is suited to be changed by means of the secondfastening device, in particular a radial position of the sensor alongthe arm with respect to the first pivot point and/or the second pivotpoint is suited to be changed, preferably continuously and/or inpredefined steps.

Furthermore, the invention suggests that the second fastening devicecomprises at least one clamping device, at least one screwing device, atleast one latching device, at least one magnetic connecting device, atleast one adhesive device, and/or at least one tensioning device.

Finally, for the rearview device, it is proposed that the firstrotation, the second rotation and/or the movement of the sensor alongthe arm and/or along the vehicle is achievable by means of at least oneactuator, preferably during a movement of the vehicle.

Furthermore, the invention provides a vehicle comprising at least onerearview device according to the invention.

In the case of the vehicle, it is particularly preferred that thevehicle comprises the first fastening device, in particular a fasteningplate, at least in some regions, wherein in particular by means of thefastening plate a conventional mirror, in particular exterior mirror, issuitable to be connected to the vehicle and the mirror is suitable to bereplaced by the arm, in particular together with the intermediatebearing.

Also, finally, the invention proposes that the vehicle is at leastregionally in the form of at least one motor vehicle, at least onemotorcycle, at least one e-mobile, at least one truck, and/or at leastone means of transport.

The invention is thus based on the surprising realization that acamera-based rearview system can be provided which makes it possible toconvert conservative rearview systems, in which a mirror is used, to acamera-based or sensor-based rearview system in a simple andcost-effective manner, or also to replace such systems. In this context,the sensor-based system can be attached to the vehicle cabin on anyvehicle version from the outside or inside by appropriate fasteningmeans, such as fastening screws. In particular, the fastening devicesalready present on the vehicle, such as fastening plates, can be used.

The use of an arm in the rearview device further leads to the advantagethat the area that can be viewed by the respective sensor can beincreased, since the distance between the vehicle and the sensor can beincreased.

At the same time, the rearview device according to the invention allowsit to be adapted to the respective conditions, since the arm allows thesensor to be positioned in any position along the arm and orientationrelative to the vehicle and the environment, i.e. the position of thesensor, in particular the camera can be freely selected and positionedon the arm. Preferably, the sensor or camera is mounted by means of asecond mounting device, such as a clamping or screw system.

At the same time, the rearview device meets the corresponding safetystandards, since the arm can be transferred from an operating positionto a avoidance position by means of a first rotation about a first axisof rotation or a first pivot point, or to a parking position by means ofa second rotation or a second axis of rotation about a second pivotpoint. This makes it possible to reduce the width of the vehicle in aparking situation by “folding” the arm against the vehicle. At the sametime, the avoidance position ensures that if the arm comes into contactwith an obstacle, the arm can fold down, in particular can betransferred to the avoidance position.

An arm in the sense of the invention is understood to be an elementwhich, with respect to the first or second pivot point, has a greaterextension in the radial direction than in the axial direction of thefirst axis of rotation or than in a direction perpendicular to the axialand radial directions.

The rearview device is thus designed in such a way that folding down cantake place via a bearing or a first fastening device. Preferably, atwo-axis bearing is implemented with the interposition of anintermediate bearing. Depending on the direction in which the rearviewdevice folds down, i.e. swings out or folds in, a rotation is adoptedvia the first axis of rotation or the second axis of rotation.

The rearview device according to the invention can be equipped withvarious sensors. In addition to cameras, infrared sensors, ultrasonicsensors or radar sensors or time-of-flight (ToF) sensors can also beused. In particular, in the case in which various ambient areas of thevehicle can be detected by means of the sensor, it becomes possible toprovide seamless monitoring of the vehicle's environment, in particularto provide a so-called 360° view of the vehicle. Preferably, when thearm is folded out into the operating position under the action of aretaining latch and a first spring element, such as a tension spring,the arm is held in the operating position, and/or can be forced by atleast a second spring element. Preferably, the arm is also held in theoperating position alternatively or additionally by means of at leastone third spring element, in particular a tension spring and/or at leastone locking spring.

Preferably, the movement from the parking position to the operatingposition, in which the sensor can detect the desired surrounding area ofthe vehicle, is then carried out manually by unfolding the rearviewdevice.

As an alternative to the described rotation from the parking positionand/or the avoidance position to the operating position, the movementcan also be performed via an electric actuator. If an intermediatebearing is used, movement of the arm about a second pivot point is alsopossible. This ensures that the rearview device can be moved not onlyinto an avoidance position, as in the case of a collision with anobstacle, but also into the parking position, which is preferablyopposite the avoidance position with respect to the operating position.

By separating the first axis of rotation from the second axis ofrotation, it is possible that different resistances can be realized whenmoving the arm into the avoidance position compared to the parkingposition. Preferably, the first pivot point and the second pivot pointare locally separated from each other and during a rotation about thefirst pivot axis the position of the intermediate bearing relative tothe arm is not changed, in particular no movement about the second pivotaxis takes place.

Conversely, it is thus made possible that a movement about the secondaxis of rotation does not result in a movement about the first axis ofrotation. In this way, it is possible for the arm to move both to theavoidance position and to the parking position in a minimum of space.

Overall, the rearview device according to the invention, in particularin its preferred embodiments, is characterized by the fact that in thecase of the rearview device, a folding or unfolding movement, inparticular from the operating position, can be carried out via two pivotpoints or axes, a predefined operating position can be achieved by meansof a retaining latch, and it is possible to attach the rearview deviceto existing vehicles, in particular all common vehicle types can beequipped with a corresponding rearview device, even retroactively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent fromthe following description, in which preferred embodiments of theinvention are explained with reference to figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rearview device according to theinvention in a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top view from direction A in FIG. 1 of the rearview deviceof FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the rearview device of FIGS. 1 and 2 fromdirection B in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the rearview device of FIGS. 1 to 3 fromdirection C in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 5 is another top view of the rearview device of FIGS. 1 to 4 fromdirection C in FIG. 2 in an avoidance position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective top view of a rearview device according to theinvention in a second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a top view from direction A′ in FIG. 6 of the rearview deviceof FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the rearview device of FIGS. 6 and 7 fromdirection C′ in FIG. 7 in an operating position;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the rearview device of FIGS. 6 to 8 fromdirection C′ in FIG. 7 in a parking position;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the rearview device of FIGS. 6 to 9 fromdirection C′ in FIG. 7 in a avoidance position; and

FIG. 11 is a top view of the rearview device of FIGS. 6 to 10 fromdirection C′ in FIG. 7 with the operating, parking and avoidancepositions shown simultaneously; and

FIG. 12 is a top view of a rearview device according to the invention ina third embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rearview device ofFIG. 12 from direction D in FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 14 is a schematic side view of a rearview device according to theinvention in a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a schematic top view of the rearview device of FIG. 14 fromdirection E in FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 16 a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pivot bearing of therearview device of FIG. 15 from direction F in FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 16 b is a detailed view of the pivot bearing of FIG. 16 a;

FIG. 17 a is a locking ring inserted in the rearview device of FIGS. 14to 16 b; and

FIG. 17 b is a schematic top view of a spring ring inserted in therearview device of FIGS. 14 to 16 b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a rearview device 1 of a firstembodiment. According to the invention, the rearview device 1 comprisesan arm 3 and can be connected to a support structure of a vehicle bymeans of a first fastening device 5, which comprises a fastening plate7. For this purpose, attachment points 9, with which the fastening plate7 can be fastened to a supporting structure, for example by means ofscrews, are provided in particular in the fastening plate 7.

The fastening plate 7 further comprises bearing elements 11 by which afirst axis of rotation D1 is fixed. As will be explained later, thebearing elements 11 define a first pivot point that allows the arm 3 torotate about the pivot axis D1.

The axis of rotation D1 is essentially vertical, which means inparticular perpendicular to a main direction of travel F, as indicatedin particular by an arrow in FIG. 3 .

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 4 , sensors 13 and 15 arearranged in the area of the arm 3. The sensors 13 and 15 are eachimplemented as cameras or similar sensors for detecting parameters ofthe environment of the rearview device and make it possible to monitorthe side area of the vehicle 17, which is indicated in FIG. 4 .

In FIGS. 1 to 4 , the rearview device 1 is shown in an operatingposition N. In this operating position N, the arm 3 is held by means ofa retaining latch 19, which is shown in particular in FIGS. 2 and 3 .This holding in the operating position N is supported by means of atension spring 21, which is a second spring element. This second springelement forces the arm 3 into the operating position N and holds it inthis position in cooperation with the retaining latch 19.

As will be explained below, rotation about the axis of rotation D1enables the rearview device 1 to be transferred to an avoidance positionQ. As will also be explained, the rotation around a rotation axis D2enables the rearview device 1 to be transferred to a parking position(not shown).

Either by means of an actuator not shown, in particular an electric,electromagnetic, magnetic actuator and/or an actuator comprising atleast one shape memory alloy element, or manually by a user of thevehicle, the rearview device 1 can be returned from both the parkingposition and the avoidance position Q to the operating position N shownin FIGS. 1 to 4 .

The use of the arm 3 in the rearview device 1 offers the advantage thatthe cameras 13, 15 can be arranged at a certain distance from thesupport structure of the vehicle 17. This makes it possible that animproved angle in the area above the cameras 13, 15 can be coveredcompared to previously known camera-assisted rearview devices.Furthermore, this prevents, or at least reduces, the formation of blindspot areas and makes it possible to cover the entire surrounding area ofthe vehicle even using a small number of sensors or cameras.

In the parking position, the arm can now be “folded” against the vehicle17, in particular the support structure of the vehicle, thus reducingthe width of the vehicle, especially when parking or backing out. Indoing so, however, the cameras 13 can still be used to monitor thesurrounding area of the vehicle. For this purpose, it is provided inparticular that the sensors 13, 15 are connected to the arm 3 via secondfastening devices not shown. These second fastening devices make itpossible for the sensors 13, 15 to be fastened essentially at anyposition of the arm 3, so as to enable the best possible detection ofthe surrounding area of the vehicle.

In particularly preferred embodiments, it is provided that the secondfastening device allows the position of the sensors 13, 15 or theirorientation to be changed. For example, during a parking process inwhich the arm 3 or the rearview device 1 is in the parking position, theorientation or position of the sensor 15 can be changed in such a waythat a lower side area of the vehicle is detected in order to avoid acollision with obstacles located there. In this way, it can be preventedthat a driver overlooks obstacles when parking or backing out.

Furthermore, in order to comply with safety regulations, it is necessaryfor the rearview device 1 to allow the arm 3 to deflect not only in thedirection of the parking position but also in an opposite position inthe event of contact of the vehicle with an obstacle, in particular inthe deflecting position Q. For this purpose, the rearview device 1, inparticular the first fastening device 5, comprises an intermediatebearing 23. The intermediate bearing 23 comprises a lifting element 25which engages on a first side with the bearing elements 11 or in thefirst pivot point and is thus supported about the first axis of rotationD1. The arm 3 is then attached to the intermediate bearing 23 or thelever 25 via a second pivot point, which allows rotation about thesecond axis of rotation D2. In this way, a rotation of the arm 3 bothabout the first axis of rotation D1, and thus between the operatingposition N and the avoidance position Q, and about the second axis ofrotation D2, and thus between the parking position and the operatingposition N, can be realized in a very small installation space.

If the arm 3 comes into contact with an object that is moving past thevehicle, in particular relative to the vehicle in the main direction oftravel F, the arm 3 can execute a rotation about the first axis ofrotation D1 via the first pivot point and in this way be transferred toan avoidance position Q. The arm 3 can be fixed in this avoidanceposition Q via a first spring element 24. In this evasive position Q,the arm 3 can be fixed via a first spring element that is not shown.After this deflection of the arm 3, the arm 3 can be manuallytransferred by a user back to the operating position N shown in FIGS. 1to 4 . If, on the other hand, the arm 3 is in the parking position, itcan be fixed in this parking position via a fourth spring element 26.

The rearview device according to the invention thus makes it possiblefor it to be attached to vehicles of common types, in particular inexchange for previously used mirror-based rearview devices. The onlyprerequisite is that a first fastening device is present on the vehicle,which has corresponding bearing elements 11. These enable the arm 3together with the corresponding spring elements to be attached to thevehicle. At the same time, the rearview device according to theinvention offers the possibility of being able to better monitor thebypass area of the vehicle compared to previously known camera-basedrearview devices due to the increased distance of the respective sensorsfrom the supporting structure of the vehicle. At the same time, however,the safety aspects are not compromised in that the rearview deviceallows the arm to swerve into the appropriate avoidance or parkingposition.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a rearview device 1′ according to theinvention in a second embodiment. Elements of the second embodiment ofthe rearview device 1′ which functionally correspond to the greatestpossible extent to those of the first embodiment of the rearview device1 are provided with the same, but simply deleted reference signs. Sincethe functionality of the second embodiment of the rearview device 1′ islargely corresponding to that of the rearview device 1 of the firstembodiment, only the figures of the second embodiment are brieflypresented below. With regard to the further explanations, theexplanations given for FIGS. 1 to 5 also apply to this embodiment.

Furthermore, FIG. 7 shows a top view from direction A′ in FIG. 6 of therearview device of FIG. 6 , and FIG. 8 shows a top view from directionC′ in FIG. 7 of the rearview device of FIGS. 6 and 7 .

In FIGS. 6 and 7 as well as in FIG. 8 , the rearview device 1′ is shownin an operating position N′, in which an arm 3′ is held by means of aretaining latch 19′, supported by a tension spring 21′ acting as asecond spring element. It is obvious that in comparison to the firstembodiment, in the second embodiment, at least as long as the arm 3′ isin the operating position N′, the retaining latch 19′ is now arrangedbetween the two axes of rotation D1′ and D2′.

In FIG. 9 , a top view of the rearview device 1′ of FIGS. 6 to 8 fromdirection C′ in FIG. 7 is shown in a parking position P′. In order totransfer the rearview device 1′ from the operating position N′ to thisparking position P′, the arm 3′ is rotated about the axis of rotationD2′, which is to be illustrated by an arrow S1′, whereby a folding ofthe rearview device 1′ is achieved.

In FIG. 10 , a top view of the rearview device 1′ of FIGS. 6 to 9 fromdirection C′ in FIG. 7 is shown in an alternative position Q′. In orderto transfer the rearview device 1′ from the operating position N′ tothis avoidance position Q′, the arm 3′ is rotated about the axis ofrotation D1′, which is to be illustrated by an arrow S2′, whereby afolding down of the rearview device 1′ is achieved.

FIG. 11 shows a top view of the rearview device 1′ of FIGS. 6 to 10 fromdirection C′ in FIG. 7 with the operating, parking and avoidancepositions N′, P′, Q′ of the rearview device 1′ shown simultaneously. Itgoes without saying that the rearview device 1′ can only be in one ofthese three positions at a point in time under consideration. In thisrespect, the representation chosen in FIG. 11 serves only to illustratethe individual positions and to show them comparatively.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic top view of a third embodiment of a rearviewdevice 101 according to the invention. Those elements of the rearviewdevice 101 which correspond to those of the rearview device 1 bear thesame reference signs, but increased by 100.

Compared to the rearview device 1, an alternative embodiment was chosento fix the arm 103 in the respective parking position, avoidanceposition or operating position. In particular, a compression spring,such as compression spring 21, was not used to fix or hold arm 103 inthe operating position as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 .

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 13 , a first pivot bearing 131 isarranged in the area of the axis of rotation D1. A second pivot bearing133 is arranged in the area of the second axis of rotation D2.

The respective pivot bearings 131 and 133 have respective first andsecond bearing elements. A first bearing element 135 of the first pivotbearing 131 is connected to the first pivot axis D1 in such a way thatrotation of the first bearing element 135 about the pivot axis D1 is notpossible. Furthermore, the first pivot bearing 131 has a second bearingelement 137. This second bearing element 137 is in particular connectedto the lever 125 of the intermediate bearing 123, is in particularformed integrally therewith or is fixed therein.

In contrast, in the second pivot bearing 133, a first bearing element139, which is connected to the lever 125, in particular is formedintegrally therewith, is fixed with respect to the axis of rotation D2,while a second bearing element 141 of the second pivot bearing 133 isformed integrally with the arm 103 and is thus mounted rotatably aboutthe second axis of rotation D2.

Both the first pivot bearing 131 and the second pivot bearing 133 haverespective adjustment devices in the form of locking devices 143 and145. The respective locking devices 143 and 145 have a first engagementelement 147 and 149, respectively. Both engagement elements 147 and 149are formed as locking pins, which are preloaded by preloading elementsin the form of springs 151 and 153, respectively. The springs 151 and153 can also be formed in one piece.

In addition, the engagement elements 147, 149 are mounted for movementin a direction perpendicular to the axes of rotation D1 and D2, and inparticular can be deflected from the position shown in FIG. 13 againstthe force of the spring 151, 153.

In the position shown in FIG. 13 , the locking pin 147 engages a secondengagement element in the form of a recess 155 a formed on the linkageof the bearing element 135. As can be seen from FIG. 13 , when the lever125 is rotated about the first axis of rotation D1, the locking pin 147is guided so that it is deflected from the position shown in FIG. 13against the force of the spring 151 and thus disengages from the recess155 a. This then allows the lever 125 to continue to movecounterclockwise about the axis of rotation D1 in FIG. 13 until thelocking pin 147 engages the recess 155 b, forcing the locking pin 147into the recess 155 b due to the force of the spring element 151. Inthis position, the position of the lever 125 relative to the first axisof rotation D1 is thus fixed.

Similarly, the second pivot bearing 133 has recesses 157 a, 157 b formedon the bearing element 141. If the arm 103 is deflected relative to thelever 125 in such a way that it is rotated about the axis of rotationD2, a force must first be applied to deflect the locking pin 149 againstthe force of the spring 153 from the position shown in FIG. 13 . Oncethe engagement between the indexing pin 149 and the recess 157 a isdisengaged, the arm 103 can be rotated further about the axis ofrotation D2 until the indexing pin 149 engages the recess 157 b. In thisposition, the arm 103 is correspondingly fixed via the adjustment devicecomprising the locking bolt 149.

Compared to the rearview device 1, a spring element such as thecompression spring 21 for fixing the arm 3 can thus be dispensed with.The corresponding fixing is effected via the corresponding lockingdevice 143, 145. The advantage is that the movement of the lever 125 orthe movement of the arm 103 after leaving the respective lockingposition in which the respective locking pin engages in the respectiverecess is possible without additional force. Furthermore, theconstruction volume is reduced and it is possible to integrate thelocking device 143, 145 into the intermediate bearing 123, where it iscorrespondingly better protected against external influences.

In FIGS. 14 to 17 b, a fourth embodiment of a rearview device 201according to the invention is shown. Those elements of the rearviewdevice 201 which correspond to those of the rearview device 1 and 101,respectively, bear the same reference signs, but increased by 200 and100, respectively.

The rearview device 201 also includes a first pivot bearing 231, bymeans of which a lever 225 of an intermediate bearing 223 is mounted onthe mounting device 205 so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotationD1 via a bearing element 211. In addition, rotation of an arm 203relative to the lever 225 about a second axis of rotation D2 is possibleby means of a second pivot bearing 233.

The first pivot bearing 231 includes a first bearing element 235connected to the fastening plate 207. The first bearing element 235 isbifurcated, such that a second bearing element 237 is disposed betweenthe bifurcated arms of the first bearing element 235. Similarly, thesecond pivot bearing 233 includes a first bifurcated bearing element 239and a second bearing element 241 disposed between the forks of thebearing element 239.

In contrast to the rearview device 101, in the rearview device 201corresponding locking devices 243 and 245 are designed in such a waythat a movement of corresponding engagement elements takes placeparallel to the respective axes of rotation D1 and D2. For this purpose,tubular rivets 259 and 261 are arranged in the region of the respectivepivot bearings 231, 233. The tubular rivets 259 and 261 form thecorresponding axes of rotation for the corresponding bearing elements.

The operation of the second pivot bearing 233 is described in moredetail below with reference to FIGS. 16 a to 17 b , where the firstpivot bearing 231 has an analogous structure.

As can be seen in FIG. 16 a , the tubular rivet 261 passes through thebearing elements 239 as well as the bearing element 241. Furthermore, aspring ring 263 shown in more detail in FIG. 17 b is arranged betweenthe bearing elements 239 on the tubular rivet 261. The spring ring 263causes a locking ring 265 shown in more detail in FIG. 17 a to be forcedin the direction of the bearing element 241 along the axis of rotationD2.

If rotation of the arm 203 relative to the lever 225 now occurs, thefollowing happens. As can be seen from FIG. 17 a , the locking ring 265has protrusions 267. In the position shown in FIG. 16 a , theprotrusions 267 engage corresponding recesses 269 formed in the bearingelement 241. The rotation deflects the locking ring 265 against thespring force built up via spring elements 271 of the spring ring 263 insuch a way that the locking ring 265 lifts off the bearing element 241in the area outside the protrusion 267. Further rotation of the arm 203about the lever 225 rotates the bearing element 241 about the axis ofrotation D2 to such an extent that the protrusions 267 come into overlapwith further depressions 269. In this position, the spring elements 271cause the locking ring 265 to be forced in the direction of the bearingelement 241, causing the protrusion 267 to engage the recess 269 so thatthe arm 203 is fixed or secured relative to the lever 225.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 16 b , the bearing element 241 ismounted eccentrically on the axis of rotation D2. This makes it possibleto arrange the depressions 269 on the second bearing element 241 in sucha way that, in the respective position, the four protrusion 267 comeinto overlap with four depressions 269, but the same depressions 269 arenot necessarily engaged by the protrusions 267 during a rotation of 90degrees. Thus, the depressions 269 can be distributed asymmetricallyover the slotted link of the bearing element 241 and thus differentlocking positions of the arm 203 can be realized at any angles, forexample an operating position, a parking position and an avoidanceposition, each of which can be secured with up to four engagements ofthe protrusions in respective depressions.

The fourth embodiment makes it possible in particular to improve thelatching in the respective positions and to optimize the installationspace. Also, latching and retaining forces can be better matched. Inthis case, two independent latching devices act on the respective pivotbearings, and the plurality of latching elements means that high lockingsafeties can be achieved.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, in the figures andin the claims may be essential to the invention in its variousembodiments, either individually or in any combination.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   -   1, 1′, 101, 201 Rearview device    -   3, 3′, 103, 203 Arm    -   5′, 105, 205 Fastening device    -   7, 7′, 107, 207 Fastening plate    -   9, 9′, 109, 209 Attachment point    -   11, 11′, 111, 211 Bearing element    -   13 Sensor    -   15 Sensor    -   17 Vehicle    -   19, 19′ Retaining latch    -   21, 21′ Tension spring    -   23, 23′, 123, 233 intermediate bearing    -   25, 25′, 125, 225 Lever    -   131, 231 Pivot bearing    -   133, 233 Pivot bearing    -   135, 235 Bearing element    -   137, 237 Bearing element    -   139, 239 Bearing element    -   141, 241 Bearing element    -   143, 243 Locking device    -   145, 245 Locking device    -   147 Engagement element    -   149 Engagement element    -   151 Spring    -   153 Spring    -   155 a, 155 b Recess    -   157 a, 157 b Recess    -   259 Tubular rivet    -   261 Tubular rivet    -   263 Spring ring    -   265 Locking ring    -   267 Protrusion    -   269 Recess    -   271 Spring element    -   A, A′ Direction    -   B, Direction    -   C, C′ Direction    -   D Direction    -   E Direction    -   F Direction    -   D1, D1′ Rotation axis    -   D2, D2′ Rotation axis    -   F, F′ Main direction of travel    -   P′ Parking position    -   Q, Q′ Alternative position    -   N, N′ Operating position    -   S1′, S2′ Direction of rotation

What is claimed is:
 1. A rearview device for a vehicle comprising: afastening device configured to attach to the vehicle; an arm coupled tothe fastening device, the arm comprising: a first axial member; a secondaxial member; and an elongated portion extending perpendicularly fromthe fastening device when the arm is in an operational position, theelongated portion configured to rotate about the first axial member totransition from the operational position to a first position, theelongated portion further configured to rotate about the second axialmember to transition from the operational position to a second position;a first spring element by which the arm can transition between theoperating position and the first position; and a second spring elementby which the arm can transition between the operating position and thesecond position.
 2. The rearview device of claim 1, wherein the firstposition is an avoidance position.
 3. The rearview device of claim 2,wherein the second position is a parking position.
 4. The rearviewdevice of claim 1, wherein the first axial member is attached to thesecond axial member.
 5. The rearview device of claim 1, wherein a firstrotation axis extends through the first axial member and a secondrotation axis extends through the second axial member, the firstrotation axis being substantially parallel to the second rotation axis.6. The rearview device of claim 1, further comprising a sensor attachedto a distal end of the elongated portion of the arm.
 7. The rearviewdevice of claim 6, wherein the sensor is a camera.
 8. The rearviewdevice of claim 1, wherein the rearview device is configured to providea rear view of the vehicle when the elongated portion of the arm is inthe operational position, the rearview device further configured toprovide a second field of view when the elongated portion of the arm isin the second position, the second field of view different from the rearview of the vehicle.
 9. The rearview device of claim 8, wherein thesecond field of view is a lower side area of the vehicle.
 10. Therearview device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator, wherein thearm is configured to transition from the first position to theoperational position or from the second position to the operationalposition when the actuator is activated.
 11. A method of operating arearview device comprising: fastening an arm to a vehicle; rotating thearm about a first axial member, the first axial member including a firstspring element, the rotation causing the arm to transition from anoperational position to a first position; and rotating the arm about asecond axial member, the second axial member including a second springelement, the rotation causing the arm to transition from the operationalposition to a second position.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thefirst position is an avoidance position.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the second position is a parking position.
 14. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the first axial member is attached to the second axialmember.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein a sensor is attached to adistal end of the arm.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the sensor isa camera.
 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing afirst field of view when the arm is in the operational position and asecond field of view when the arm is in the second position.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the first field of view is a rear view ofthe vehicle.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the second field ofview is a lower side area of the vehicle.
 20. The method of claim 11,further comprising: rotating the arm from the first position to theoperational position; and rotating the arm from the second position tothe operational position; wherein the rotation from the first positionto the operational position and the rotation from the second position tothe operational position are caused by an activation of an actuator.